West Yorkshire is well known for its industrial heritage and became a famous and wealthy region during the Industrial Revolution. However, this area of Yorkshire has a rich history and had thriving medieval towns long before the textile mills of Leeds and Bradford were in operation.
Pontefract Castle, West Yorkshire
There has been a castle in Pontefract for almost one thousand years. The town of Pontefract is often viewed as an industrial community, best known for mining and the production of liquorice sweets. However, in medieval times, the town was an important centre of power.
Pontefract was on the Great North Road, a route from London to the North of England and as such, received many important visitors. King Richard II died as a prisoner at the castle and it is reputed that Catherine Howard was first unfaithful to King Henry VIII here.
The current castle was constructed in the fourteenth century and was a favourite home of John of Gaunt, one of the sons of Edward III. It is a motte and bailey castle, with two wards and extensive underground buildings.
The townspeople of Pontefract have not always appreciated the castle and after the English Civil War, petitioned to Parliament to have it demolished, as they felt that it attracted trouble. The building was duly destroyed and has remained as a ruin ever since.
Details: Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, WF8 1QH, tel: 01977 723440
Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am to dusk, Sat & Sun 10.30am to dusk
Sandal Castle, West Yorkshire
Sandal Castle is a motte and bailey fortress founded in 1180. It overlooks the site of the 1460 Battle of Wakefield, one of the battle-grounds of the War of the Roses.
The castle fell into disrepair during the sixteenth century, but was an important fortification during the English Civil War and was besieged twice by Parliamentary forces.
Archaeological finds have been discovered at the castle and some of these are on display at the nearby Wakefield Museum.
Details: Sandal Castle, Manygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield, WF2 7DG, tel:
Open from dawn to dusk.
Wakefield Castle, West Yorkshire
Wakefield Castle was built in the twelfth century and may never have been completed. It was founded during the uncertainty of the reign of King Stephen, when many titles and landholdings were disputed.
The castle was designed as a motte and bailey fortress but its original design has been altered by later building work.
Details: Wakefield Castle, Thornes Park, Wakefield, WF2 8QE
Open from dawn to dusk.
Yorkshire has some of the UK’s oldest and most unspoilt historic attractions. The castles of Yorkshire give a unique picture of what life was like in earlier centuries.
Resources
The official Yorkshire Tourist Board website has information about all of these properties as well as advice on travel and accommodation in the county. The website lists local tourist information centres which can give more detailed visitor information.
Else, Attwooll, Beech, Berry, Dunford, Symington Lonely Planet Great Britain [Lonely Planet, 2007]
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